Politics
In flood-hit Philippines, ‘out of touch’ Marcos slammed for private birthday serenade
Key Points
In flood-hit Philippines, ‘out of touch’ Marcos slammed for private birthday serenade Observers say the public backlash was directed at Marcos’ ‘perceived insensitivity’ in light of the floods and related corruption scandal Observers told This Week in Asia that Marcos’ celebration of his wife, Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, on her 67th birthday struck the wrong chord with a public already angered by deadly floods, the government’s handling of disaster relief and long-running allegations...
In flood-hit Philippines, ‘out of touch’ Marcos slammed for private birthday serenade
Observers say the public backlash was directed at Marcos’ ‘perceived insensitivity’ in light of the floods and related corruption scandal
Observers told This Week in Asia that Marcos’ celebration of his wife, Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, on her 67th birthday struck the wrong chord with a public already angered by deadly floods, the government’s handling of disaster relief and long-running allegations of corruption in flood-control projects.
By August 26, when Marcos quietly staged his wife’s party with a live band attended by family, close friends and political allies, Manila was almost at a standstill after days of heavy rain.
Online responses sarcastically thanked the president and government for the scandal-hit flood-control projects under his watch.
Two days later, a video of Marcos crooning “You” and “I Love Her” to his wife, taken by one of the party guests, Vigan City Mayor Bonito Singson, surfaced on social media.